UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged Britons to be better prepared for emergencies saying that unexpected events are becoming increasingly common. The remarks came as the government rolled out its new ‘Be Ready’ initiative, which asks households to keep essential supplies at home for three days.
“We're having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we're living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common,” Burnham said on Friday.
Why is the UK asking people to prepare for emergencies?
The advisory comes amid concerns about disruptions caused by severe weather, cyberattacks and other unexpected events.
The UK has experienced storms, droughts, extreme heat and wildfires in recent years. These events can damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services. They can also affect access to electricity, water, phone networks and the internet.
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Cybersecurity incidents have added to these concerns. Recent cyberattacks affecting French supermarket chains disrupted refrigeration systems. Stores were forced to discard spoiled food. Separately, a software security incident involving PHP, a programming language used by many websites, prompted organisations to shut down websites.
The campaign also reflects a wider European push for emergency preparedness. France, Ireland and the Netherlands have issued similar guidance. These recommendations encourage households to prepare to manage disruptions for three days.
What does the emergency checklist include?
The official ‘Be Ready’ checklist recommends keeping enough essential supplies at home to manage for three days. It covers eight broad categories.
- Water
- Bottled water for three days.
- At least three litres per person per day for drinking.
- Additional water for cooking and washing.
2. Food
- Three days' worth of non-perishable food.
- Long-lasting food that does not need refrigeration or cooking.
- Examples include tinned meat, fish and vegetables, dried fruit and nuts.
- The government recommends choosing food that household members would normally eat.
3. Hygiene
- Hand sanitiser.
- Wet wipes.
- Essential hygiene and bathroom products.
4. Light and warmth
- A torch and spare batteries.
- Blankets and sleeping bags.
- Warm clothing to help households cope if heating is disrupted.
5. Communication and information
- A battery-powered or wind-up FM radio to receive updates during outages.
- A charged power bank to keep phones running.
6. Money and documents
- Cash in a mix of coins and banknotes.
- Payment cards in case electronic payment systems or ATMs stop working.
- Copies of important documents, including identification.
- A written list of important phone numbers.
- Information about regular medication and dosages.
7. Medical and health supplies
- A first-aid kit with basic supplies.
- Essential medicines and other medical supplies.
8. Baby and pet supplies
- Baby formula, nappies and wipes for households with infants.
- Ready-to-feed formula is recommended. Preparing powdered formula safely may be difficult if water cannot be boiled.
- Pet food and bottled water for animals.
The government has advised people not to buy everything at once. Households should first check what they already have. They can then identify missing items and add them during regular shopping trips. This approach also helps spread the cost.
The checklist recommends reviewing supplies every six months. People should check expiry dates and replace items when necessary. They should also update their kits as household needs change.
The government also encouraged people to speak to their neighbours. They can exchange contact details and discuss how to help one another during an outage. Those with extra supplies may consider donating them to people who cannot afford to prepare their own households.
The government has separately encouraged eligible households to sign up to the Priority Services Register. The register helps electricity, gas and water providers identify customers who may need additional assistance during service interruptions.